[Full Text] Prime Minister Jeong: "Special quarantine for two weeks from tomorrow... Efforts with extraordinary determination"

Special Chuseok Holiday Quarantine Public Address
"War-like Situation... Request to Refrain from Chuseok Hometown Visits"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun announced in a national address on special quarantine measures for the Chuseok holiday on the 27th, "Starting tomorrow, a special quarantine period of two weeks will be set, applying more detailed and strengthened quarantine standards," and stated, "This special quarantine measure is an unavoidable choice to prevent greater pain and sacrifice."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "I ask for the understanding and cooperation of the people," and "The government will also do its best with extraordinary determination during this special quarantine period."

He specifically mentioned, "During this holiday period, assemblies scheduled for National Foundation Day and Hangul Day will not be allowed at all," and added, "We will thoroughly and flawlessly block any attempts to hold assemblies."

He further stated, "The government will mobilize all means permitted by law and regulations against illegal assemblies," and "We will respond with a zero-tolerance policy."

The following is the full text of Prime Minister Chung’s address.

Dear respected citizens,

This is Chung Sye-kyun, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters.

This Wednesday marks the start of the five-day Chuseok holiday.

It is a rich holiday of our people to share the fruits of the year and the affection among family members.

Normally, at this time, people would be excited about meeting family and relatives,

but I regret to bring you uncomfortable words related to disaster safety.

For the safety of parents and elders this Chuseok,

I earnestly ask you to refrain from visiting your hometown.

Please understand that not visiting your parents this year

is not unfilial but rather a way of showing filial piety.

Continuing to observe social distancing, which you have practiced well so far,

even during the Chuseok holiday,

is the best way to protect the health and safety of our elders.

Since the COVID-19 disaster began in February,

our people have united and

responded excellently to this national crisis.

The term ‘K-quarantine’ has emerged,

and the world highly praises

our citizens’ cooperation, patience,

mutual trust, and self-restraint.

Two days ago, the Wall Street Journal

featured South Korea’s K-quarantine success prominently,

introducing three key solutions.

* 9.25. “How South Korea successfully managed Coronavirus”

First, a combination of diagnostic testing and technology,

second, centralized control and smooth communication,

and lastly, a constant fear of failure.

However, the undeniable and serious reality is that we are still facing an unprecedented disaster situation.

We must not forget that this is a situation comparable to war.

We must always keep a sense of fear.

Through the war against COVID-19,

we have painfully realized that temporary complacency and some recklessness

can lead to extremely serious consequences.

In mid-August,

the irresponsible actions of some religious groups

caused enormous losses

and terrified the entire nation.

Although the number of confirmed cases has fortunately been declining since the peak of 441 on August 27,

sporadic group infections are still occurring in various places as the Chuseok holiday approaches.

Adults feel heavy-hearted asking children, who cannot go to school or meet friends,

to stay home even if it is frustrating.

It is almost impossible to tell children to wait longer when they are restless because they cannot visit their parents in nursing hospitals.

To self-employed people sitting alone without customers worrying about rent,

to small business owners whose hard-earned businesses are on the brink of bankruptcy,

and to many who have lost jobs vital to their lives,

we feel deeply sorry.

In the face of the national disaster COVID-19, all citizens

are enduring pain, inconvenience, sadness, and misery together.

Still, I ask you to endure a little longer without letting your guard down.

Not only visiting hometowns but also travel destinations where many people gather at once

are equally dangerous.

Please keep in mind that a trip that should be a precious memory

can threaten the safety of family and community.

This Chuseok, I earnestly ask you to have a safe and relaxed rest at home with your family.

Once again, some groups are trying to hold illegal assemblies during the COVID-19 disaster.

Please recognize that such acts destroy the hard-built tower of quarantine efforts

that fellow citizens have endured with their own discomfort and pain.

The nightmare of the illegal assembly on Liberation Day has revived,

and the entire nation is filled with fear.

The cumulative confirmed cases from Sarang Jeil Church and Gwanghwamun assemblies

have reached 1,800.

Not only confirmed cases but also numerous screening tests and self-quarantines derived from these

have incurred enormous costs.

Thousands of businesses, already struggling,

have had to close or face operational restrictions.

This has compounded the suffering of citizens whose livelihoods are at risk.

The government will not allow any assemblies scheduled for National Foundation Day and Hangul Day during this holiday period.

We will thoroughly and flawlessly block any attempts to hold assemblies.

Groups planning assemblies should stop their reckless actions even now.

The government will mobilize all means permitted by law and regulations against illegal assemblies.

We will respond with a zero-tolerance policy.

We will not tolerate even the smallest spark that threatens lives and hinders quarantine.

We will strictly respond by thoroughly blocking gatherings in advance

and immediately arresting illegal actors on site.

Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association

are noble fundamental rights guaranteed by our democratic constitution.

However, people come first.

No claim or value can outweigh human life and safety.

The reason for the existence of the state

is to protect the lives and safety of its citizens.

We will strictly and thoroughly enforce public authority

to prevent large-scale assemblies from becoming vectors of group infections.

We will fulfill the duties of the state.

During this Chuseok holiday,

the government intends to implement effective quarantine measures

across various fields such as grave visits, transportation, logistics, and leisure activities

to prevent the spread of group infections.

As already announced,

starting tomorrow, a special quarantine period of two weeks will be set,

applying more detailed and strengthened quarantine standards.

This special quarantine measure is an unavoidable choice to prevent greater pain and sacrifice.

We ask for the understanding and cooperation of the people.

The government will also do its best with extraordinary determination during this special quarantine period.

So far, in the war against COVID-19,

we have faced several difficult crises,

but thanks to the active cooperation and patience of the people,

and the dedication and sacrifice of medical staff,

we have overcome many hurdles.

This Chuseok holiday is another critical moment.

Once again, the cooperation of the people is desperately needed.

The war against COVID-19 can only be won if all citizens unite their strength.

Each citizen’s compliance with quarantine rules

is the best treatment and vaccine.

The best gift this Chuseok holiday

is the ‘Mangunjeojeong’ (望雲之情), meaning sending longing from afar,

and I once again appeal for the active participation and cooperation of all citizens.

Thank you.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.